Iran, Algeria Resume Diplomatic Relations

Iran and Algeria have decided to resume full diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level seven years after their ties were severed, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported Saturday.

The decision was made in New York on Friday by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and his Algerian counterpart Abdulaziz Boutafliqua on the sidelines of the United Nations millenium summit held September 6-8.

The two presidents issued a joint statement announcing to resume full relations starting Saturday after meeting in "a very cordial and frank atmosphere," the report said.

According to the statement, the two heads of state reviewed international issues of interest of their countries and respective regions, in particular those of the Middle East and the Maghreb.

Khatami and Boutafliqua also exchanged views on the political developments occurring in the Arab world and the Islamic community. They "recognized the strength of the bonds tying their countries through Islam and the Islamic civilization," said the statement.

Referring to Iran and Algeria's memberships in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the statement stressed that both countries "wage a common struggle" for the same economic interests.

The two countries broke off ties in 1993 after the African nation accused Iran of supporting the Islamic Salvation Front, the major opposition of the Algerian government. The charges were denied by Tehran.